Advanced Stats: Player Contribution

By Glen Miller | Aug 31, 2011 | 9:02AM

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Not to be confused with politically correct, Player Contribution (PC), was developed by one of hockey’s first and brightest statistical analysts, Alan Ryder and is available on his site, www.hockeyanalytics.com.

I won’t and can’t get into the math of this metric but suffice it to say PC is Ryder’s version of Bill James’ Win Shares stat for baseball. It is designed to allocate the credit an individual deserves for a team’s overall performance.

Ryder generally divides his list by position since typically and understandably goaltenders rank much higher than skaters. On his site he points out that no other position in any sport carries the same level of importance to a team’s chances of winning or losing than a hockey goalie. The closest comparable would be a baseball pitcher.

During the 2009-2010 season (data for the 2010-2011 campaign is not yet posted), the top 15 players in PC were all goalies. Our own Henrik Lundqvist placed fifth overall with a PC of 205. Tomas Vokoun surprisingly led the NHL with a 253. Marian Gaborik was the top Rangers skater and the 14th highest rated forward, finishing with an 88 PC.

I agree that goalie is likely the most important position in the game but I think PC may favor netminders a bit too much. Guys like Johan Hedberg, Chris Mason and Brian Elliot all placed higher than Gabby for PC. That’s the 42-goal season Gaborik we’re talking about and I wouldn’t trade Gabby for all three of those goaltenders combined much less think any one of them was better than the Rangers star winger that season

That being said, I think PC is a step in the right direction and I can only hope Mr. Ryder continues to refine this metric.

OTTAWA -- On the way home from their longest road trip of the season, the Ottawa Senators scraped bottom and suffered more damage.

When they face the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday, the Senators will be just 24 hours removed from their fifth straight loss, a 3-2 setback at the hands of the Eastern Conference's last-place Buffalo Sabres.

Over a seven-stop, 15-day tour that began Nov. 29 in Montreal, that left the Senators with a 1-5-1 record and just three points ahead of the Sabres. While their season is not yet a write-off, they are at a loss for answers. >> Read more

5:46PM: Alain Vigneault met with the media in Ottawa prior to tonight's game and was asked about Filip Chytil, saying (NYR):

Why send Chytil to the World Juniors, "my experience at the World Juniors, I've been there twice. For junior players, it's one of the best experiences that you can have and for a coach it's the same thing. You talk about representing your country. Talking about playing in high pressure environments, important games. I think that for the development of any young player, if you have the opportunity to represent your country it's something you can't pass on. Filip was given the opportunity and I think it will make him a better player."

Are you surprised Chytil hasn't been called back up yet, "we've been, touch wood, fairly healthy up front, other than Mika in the middle. He is going through the development of any young player. He is going through it at this time at a very young age against men, I shouldn't say men, there are a lot of younger, 21-22 year olds. He's been, from what I understand talking to Keith and Dru who is following Hartford very closely and Jeff, he's coming along real well and we know we have a player there with a lot of potential."

11:58AM: The Rangers have announced that they have officially loaned Filip Chytil to the Czech Republic team for the World Junior Championship later this month.

Chytil has 5 goals and 7 assists in 15 games for Hartford this season but only has one point in the last 6 games.

Henrik Lundqvist is expected to start tonight against the Senators after Ondrej Pavelec started on Monday against the Stars.

Pavelec and Steve Kampfer were the only Rangers on the ice this morning. (Cyrgalis)

Today's morning skate was designated just for the extra players that are not in tonight's lineup. (NYR Game Notes)

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The salary cap is expected to rise at least $3 million

11:07AM

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(Adam Hunger)

Gary Bettman projects that the salary cap for the 2018-19 season could be between $78 million and $82 million.

The salary cap is currently $75 million and Bettman said that the league has "never been healthier." (ESPN)

With an upper limit of $75 million, the Rangers are projected to have $23.5 million in cap space but with Brady Skjei, Boo Nieves, Jimmy Vesey, Kevin Hayes and JT Miller as RFAs needing new contracts. (Cap Friendly)

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What Alain Vigneault said after practice on Tuesday

Dec 12 | 4:25PM

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New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault gives instructions during an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Alain Vigneault met with the media on Tuesday after practice and said (NYR):

How was practice, "practice was good. It was good focus, good execution and guys worked hard and our guys are on the way to Ottawa to try and win a game."

On the lines staying the same, "I would say to you that our body of work lately. I think that for this last little stretch for over a month we have been pretty close to one of the top two teams in terms of winning percentage in the NHL. In that big body of work we have had some real good moments, some other games where a period might have been more challenging. We just came from Washington and I went to see Washington against Chicago and in the second period, Washington wins that game 6-2, but they don't touch the puck. It seems like this year, more than ever, that teams can take over a period. Last night we played a team that took over two periods but our body of work lately has been good and we will go to Ottawa with the same lines we have been using for a while and try to come up with a win."

Alain Vigneault met with the media on MSG following the Rangers loss to Dallas and said:

On Pavelec, "I don't think anyone in our dressing room doesn't know that other than him, we didn't play real well tonight. There are two positives, Pavs played unreal and because of his performance we were able to get a point. Other than that....we weren't good."

"I think I summarized it pretty good there. Thanks guys."

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Rangers fall at home to Stars in shootout, 2-1

Dec 11 | 10:02PM

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(Adam Hunger)

Rick Nash scored in the third period to tie the game and help the Rangers avoid a shutout, but the Stars ultimately won in a shoout, 2-1. << Box score

First period:

N/A

Second period:

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Tonight's game: Stars vs. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Dec 11 | 6:11PM

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Oct 31, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A general view of Madison Square Garden before a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and New York Rangers. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports (Danny Wild)

NEW YORK -- The Dallas Stars recently put together five straight wins and were feeling good about their performances.

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What Alain Vigneault said before the game against Dallas

Dec 11 | 5:16PM

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New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault talks to reporters after a practice in Tarrytown, N.Y., Tuesday, April 25, 2017. The Rangers have advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs and will open the series against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (Seth Wenig/AP)

Alain Vigneault met with the media earlier today prior to tonight's game against Dallas and said (NYR):

On using Lindy to help prepare against his old team, "there is no doubt that we talked about their team, they have made some personnel changes and obviously with Hitch in there, he has his own tendencies that he likes his team to do. At the end of the day our job as coaches is the same as every game, get the players information for them to be able to execute and play hard."

On Pavelec, "I expect him to play well. He gave us a good game against Pitt and we expect, like we always do from our goaltenders, a chance to win the game. We have to be good in front of him and we will play hard."

On this game for Pavelec, "looked at the schedule, 6 in 9, I told you that in the 6 in 9 that he would get two and this is one of them."

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Mika Zibanejad on how he is feeling, what happened and more

Dec 11 | 1:16PM

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Apr 20, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad (93) plays the puck during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports (Eric Bolte)

"it's good to be back with the guys and see faces out there, it's always positive."

How do you feel, "it's getting better. We are following the procedures that need to be done and we are taking it day by day and we will take it from there."

Do you think you will be able to practice tomorrow, "we will see how I feel today. I can't look ahead too much in a situation like this. I felt good being out there again, we will see how the rest of the day goes and what else we are doing today and go from there."

Have you been cleared for contact, "I don't know, nothing new that I have been told so last time. I wasn't wearing a red jersey today so that was good."

"it's one game right now and that is what I focus on. The Pittsburgh game helped me with my confidence. I got the win and it was good for me and now it's a new day and a new game. It's going to be a different game."

On starting at home, "it's fun to play in this building but for for me it doesn't matter to me if I start at home or away. The routine is the same, not a big difference but it's really fun to play at MSG."

On building off the Pitt win, "that helped me a lot and I felt really good but that was the past. Today is a new day and a new game and I need to be ready again."

On playing Dallas, "really good team, that offensive power is really good. They have a lot of skill players. To be successful we need to be disciplined."

Larry Brooks says that now is the time for the Rangers to start discussing a potential contract extension with Michael Grabner. (NY Post)

Grabner,30, is a UFA at the end of the season and has a cap hit this season of $1.65 million.

Brooks wonders if a three-year deal for $10 million would be enough to keep Grabner with the Rangers and prevent him from becoming a UFA. (NY Post)

Over the past two years Grabner is 23rd overall in goals scored and has the 11th best shooting percentage. (Hockey Ref)

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Jesper Fast has been scoring lately

Dec 10 | 5:44PM

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(Geoff Burke)

12/10/17 | Alain Vigneault said on Saturday night of Fast, "I've always thought of him as a hard-working, two-way hockey player that is one of our guys that plays the right way in all situations. He is a real good example, he never gives up a play, puts his body on the line to get the job done. I'm hoping that will rub off on a couple of other guys because he is a real good example there." (MSG)

10/9/17 | 10PM: Rick Nash on Jesper Fast after the win over NJ, "he's like a hidden secret. Not too many people around the league know about him but he can do it all and jump up and down the lineup. He's a pretty special player and fun to play with an he is feeling it right now."

How Henrik Lundqvist played this weekend

Dec 10 | 4:33PM

Oct 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Henrik Lundqvist played both weekend games for the Rangers, stopping 36 of 40 shots on Friday and 26 of 28 shots on Saturday.

Over his last eight appearances, he has posted a 6-1-0 record, along with a 2.04 GAA, a .936 SV%, and 1 SO. (NYR Game Notes)

Lundqvist was asked if he would like to play in every game and said that if it were up to him the answer would be "yes."

He said that overall the Rangers take things day by day and that right now he feels "really good."

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Mats Zuccarello made a huge play last night for the Rangers

Dec 10 | 3:02PM

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Dec 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) is congratulated after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

Mats Zuccarello scored two goals last night and has points in 7 of the last 9 games.

Zuccarello has 13 points in the past 12 games and a plus 14 rating in the past 19 games. (NYR Game Notes)

He put the Rangers up 3-1 when he forced a turnover just inside the offensive zone and scored on a breakaway.

Ryan McDonagh said that last night's game against New Jersey felt like a big game, especially after what happened on Friday against Washington. (NYR Game Notes)

McDonagh said that he liked how the Rangers played against NJ and that they were in control and in sync on the ice. (NYR Game Notes)

JT Miller said that the Rangers executed well, put the Devils on their heels and had a good five-man forecheck. (NYR Game Notes)

Henrik Lundqvist said that this was one of the Rangers better games as of late and that it was "what we needed" after the loss on Friday to the Capitals. (NYR Game Notes)

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What Alain Vigneault said after the win over the Devils

Dec 10 | 8:07AM

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Mar 9, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault reacts during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Rangers 4-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports (James Guillory)

Alain Vigneault met with the media following tonight's win over the Devils and said (MSG):

On the game, "we got off to a good start, had a real solid first period. Zuccy's goal was obviously a turning point, not sure if it was PK goal or just at the end there but it was a great individual effort and real good shot and in the third we did what we had to do to get the two points."

On the home games, "I don't think you can put your finger on one specific thing. I know we have gotten off to better start and there is no doubt that the play in front of Hank and the play of Hank has been better. For quite some time we have been playing some pretty good hockey. It's a tough league and every game is competitive and hard fought. It was a battle and there were a lot of one on one, hard, gritty, greasy situations and our guys did what they had to do to win the game."

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Mats Zuccarello with the Broadway Hat

Dec 9 | 10:06PM

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Dec 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) reacts after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

Mats Zuccarello was awarded the Broadway Hat after scoring twice in the Rangers win over the Devils on Saturday.

Click below to see Zuccarello with the Broadwat Hat as well as his goals

5:42PM: Asked why Lundqvist is getting the start, Vigneault said "big game. First game of the year against Colorado was a big game. Tonight is a big game Monday against Dallas is going to be a big guy. I mentioned to Glen quite a few times that the game has changed a lot over the years. Back when he was coaching in the league they made the playoffs in October and early November. Now it's a battle, I don't think I have ever seen the league as competitive as it is this year. It should be a lot of fun and I thought Hank played well last night after missing in Pitt and decided to go back with him." (NYR)

Asked if his plan was to go with Henrik back to back, Vigneault said "it wasn't my plan not to play him in Pitt. He got sick....he's going tonight." (NYR)

The disappointment the Rangers felt after last night's loss

Dec 9 | 12:29PM

Lundqvist said that it was "extremely disappointing" to lose after battling back against a "real good team."

Ryan McDonagh said that the loss "stings" and that while the Rangers made a comeback they let the Capitals make some plays and "they burned us." (NY Post)

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Vigneault's comments after the Rangers loss to the Caps

Dec 9 | 9:06AM

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May 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault coaches against the Ottawa Senators during the third period of game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Alain Vigneault met with the media on MSG following the Rangers loss to the Caps and said:

What did you see, "I didn't like our first period. We didn't play well at all but we responded with a much better second period. We had some good looks, their goalie made some big saves. We got that goal at the end of the second period and we were able to tie it in the third. Then we have a control breakout, a control situation, we know what their control forecheck is going to be and one of our guys doesn't do the right route, turnover and the turnover ends up in the back of our net. Unfortunately it's something that we didn't do as well as we should have and it cost us and after that we couldn't tie it up."

Henrik Lundqvist spoke with the media following the Rangers loss to Washington and said (MSG):

What did you see, "two teams that played pretty hard. First period was definitely their period, they had a lot of momentum. I think we turned it to our side in the second and battled back and a couple of big goals. It's disappointing, extremely disappointing. I don't know what to say. I have to look at that third goal. It's right there, 2 on 2 in front of the net but we couldn't get a hold of the puck. It's extremely disappointing with how we battled back against a real good team."

On the disappointment, "I thought we battled hard and personally I battled hard to try to help the team get back in the game. In the end it's a play in front where we can't track it down and they get hold of it and it's a 3-2 game. It happens but still it hurts when you work so hard to get back into it."

What Alain Vigneault said before the game against the Caps

Dec 8 | 5:53PM

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May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault coaches against the Ottawa Senators during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Alain Vigneault met with the media prior to tontight's game against the Capitals and said (NYR):

On the standings, "every game is important, hard fought and you gotta prepare yourself to go out and execute and compete. Washington is a very good team, we are aware of that and we will be ready tonight."

Do you think it will be this tight the whole season, "I'm not looking past tonight. You can't start looking at next week and next month. This is a day to day game. You gotta focus on whatever you are up to that day. If it's practice then it's practice and you gotta get better, if it's a game you gotta focus on the players being ready and going out and working real hard and that is what we are trying to do here."

On the Caps and Ovechkin, "I don't know if you can pay too much attention to a player like that. He is one of the best in the league and he's gonna get some looks. They have some real good players on that team and for us to compete and play hard and win against a team like that we need a real strong team effort and that is what we are going to need tonight."

On the goalies this weekend, "I can tell you that Hank is playing tonight and if you are trying to figure out who is playing tomorrow (laugh)..."

Henrik Lundqvist spoke with the media after today's morning skate and said that he is feeling 100% and will start tonight against the Capitals. (NYR)

Lundqvist said that he feels good and that tonight's game will be a good test for him and for the team. (NYR)

He said that he felt back to normal yesterday and just wanted to see a few pucks this morning and that he normally takes the morning skate when he hasn't played in a few days. (NYR)

On the amount he has played so far this year Lundqvist said, "the schedule has been good to us. We haven't traveled much, not a lot of back to backs and 3 in 4 and that makes a big difference. I feel rested and I just like playing. When I get into that flow I relax more and spend less energy to prepare and that helps me be in the right place mentally. It's something that I am used to over the years. Sometimes you get tired from just playing a few games because you are tense and over working things. I think it's been a nice flow to the season so far and hopefully I get a bunch of starts coming up." (NYR)

How Kevin Shattenkirk responded to the comments from Barry Trotz

Dec 8 | 10:50AM

Kevin Shattenkirk spoke with the media on Thursday about the comments that Barry Trotz had made earlier in the day and said (NYR):

On his usage and the trade to Wash, "it didn't work out, we didn't win but as far as my usage, I don't think I was used that way. We had a pretty good committee back there on D. We had a lot of guys sharing a lot of responsibilities and that was part of the reason why I was brought here to help with the load a little bit. That is my job to prove, that is what I am trying to do now and what I am working toward with New York."

On his reaction to the comments from Trotz, "it doesn't sit well with you, it's nothing that you enjoy hearing. There is a lot of people who think that about me and I like to use that in my favor and use that as something to keep me boosted and prove them wrong."

On the Rangers, "I love the direction we are heading in. It took a little while to fit into the team and how I can play my game but I feel very comfortable now."

On his game, "I think I am working toward that. There is a lot more room for me to grow and I need to handle those top end matchups better and when I get those opportunities I need to make them count. McDonagh is a good example for me to watch and the way that he handles players like Ovechkin, Backstrom and Crosby. I'm not there yet but I think I can get there."

Vigneault on Shattenkirk, McDonagh and more after practice

Dec 7 | 5:19PM

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New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault talks to reporters after a practice in Tarrytown, N.Y., Tuesday, April 25, 2017. The Rangers have advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs and will open the series against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (Seth Wenig/AP)

Hank is feeling better, "yea, I had a talk with him before practice and at the end. Hank said that he was feeling much better than he anticipated and that he was good to go. He will take a few shots tomorrow morning and should be good to go tomorrow night."

On the Caps, "that team plays a lot like they have in the past even though some of the personnel has changed a bit. It's a real good team and they have that top line and great goaltending, great goaltending last night. Score a couple early and their PP gave them one at the end of the second period. Play the same type of system, executed well. It will be a real hard game for us."

Same lineup with Kampfer out, "yea"

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Henrik Lundqvist expected to start against the Capitals tomorrow

Dec 7 | 2:30PM

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New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)

Feeling better, "yea. Felt a lot better yesterday, a light workout yesterday and today pretty close to back to normal. Good morning skate tomorrow and I am ready."

What got you sick, "I don't know what it was, I guess it's that time of the year. You just deal with it when it happens. A couple of quiet days at the hotel and now I am back to normal and so it feels good."

Are you ready to play tomorrow, "yea, good workout yesterday off ice. Today was a great skate, a lot of speed and action and pucks. Because I haven't skated much in the past week because of the days off I will take the morning skate as well to prepare myself."

What do you need to do against the Caps, "play a disciplined game, PP is always a big part of the game. They can change the game when they get their top guys out there and hold onto pucks. We just need to focus on our game, don't change too much."

2:37PM: Alain Vigneault said that he expects Henrik Lundqvist to start tomorrow night against the Capitals. (NYR)

Lundqvist said that he felt good in practice today but that he will face some shots tomorrow morning just to make sure he is ready. (Gulitti)

Ryan McDonagh and Nick Holden are paired together, Brady Skjei and Kevin Shattenkirk are paired together and Steven Kampfer is rotating in on the third pair with Marc Staal and Brendan Smith. (Cyrgalis)

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Boo Nieves continues to improve for the Rangers

Dec 7 | 11:46AM

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Dec 5, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) congratulates center Boo Nieves (24) after scoring his first NHL career goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports (Charles LeClaire)

Boo Nieves scored his first career NHL goal on Tuesday night in the first period against the Penguins.

Nieves has played in 13 games this season and has 1 goal and 4 assists, 3 of those assists came in his first game this season.

The Rangers top line has been producing without Mika Zibanejad

Dec 7 | 9:57AM

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Nov 8, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center David Desharnais (51) takes a shot during warmups prior to the game against the Boston Bruins during at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

In the Rangers last three games, the top line of Chris Kreider, David Desharnais and Pavel Buchnevich have recorded 13 points. (NYR Game Notes)

Kreider: 2 goals, 2 assists

Desharnais: 1 goals, 4 assists

Buchnevich: 2 goals, 2 assists

Desharnais has a three game point streak since returning to the lineup and joining that line while Mika Zibanejad has been out with a concussion.

When that trio has been together at 5 on 5 in the past three games the Rangers have had fewer than 50% of the shot attempts.

Pavel Buchnevich scored the winning goal for the Rangers last night off of an attempted cross-ice pass that Kris Letang deflected into the net.

Letang said after the game that he was playing the pass with Brendan Smith streaking to the far post behind and that the puck could have gone either way but that it deflected and went "right top shelf." (The Athletic)

Ondrej Pavelec, who made 41 saves, noted that the Penguins hit four posts last night and that "you don't see that much often."

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Alain Vigneault's comments after the Rangers win over the Pens

Dec 6 | 8:55AM

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May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault coaches against the Ottawa Senators during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Alain Vigneault met with the media on MSG following the Rangers win over the Penguins and said:

"there is no doubt that tonight is a big win against the Stanley Cup Champs. If you analyze the game, I really liked our first period, we came to play, second period, turnovers cost us, we knew they would have a push. They had a real strong push. We were able to get a couple of good looks at the end and score a couple of goals. In the third we did what we had to do to get the job done and we will take the two points and move on."

On Pavelec, "he didn't have a lot of work in the first but he did have quite a few shots after that. They are high volume shots, they shoot from everywhere and they hope to create scrambles. Against that you need to protect the front of your net, which I think we did fairly well. He did give us a real strong game and I am real happy for him, he has put in a lot of work and I am sure there will be a few more of those to come."

On the fourth line, "they were playing well and playing better than some of the other guys and when you get down to the last 7-8 minutes I shorten up the bench, go down to 9 forwards and that line was in it. They had been effective at both ends of the rink."

On Boo Nieves, "he is a big body, real strong one on one and a real solid skater. He used that tonight, got his first goal, it was an important goal for us and there is no doubt that Boo is improving every game and every minute he plays he gets more experience and he is gonna get better."

On bounces, "thought we probably deserved a little bit more in the first, we came out of their with the tie. In the second they had a lot of looks, lots of shots toward the net but we had some good looks also and we were able to capitalize on a few, up by a few we did what we had to win the game."

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What Ondrej Pavelec said after the win over Pittsburgh

Dec 5 | 10:38PM

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Dec 5, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) looks on during a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports (Charles LeClaire)

Ondrej Pavelec spoke on MSG following tonight's 41 save win and said:

On the game picking up after the first, "that is the way it was. They hit four posts, you don't see that often. They scored the first goal, they had the advantage but I thought we played great in the first period. We slowed down a little in the second and it was a battle in the third. It was a good hockey game, not so much fun for the goalies but we got the win so that is huge for us."

On the last minute, 'just try to stay focused, try to stay in position. Sometimes there are a lot of bodies in front and they have one extra player, just stay square and we had that luck in the end and that is what you need to win games."

What Alain Vigneault said before the game against Pittsburgh

Dec 5 | 6:34PM

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New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault gives instructions during an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Alain Vigneault met with the media prior to tonight's game against Pittsburgh and said (NYR):

On Henrik, "Hank wasn't feeling well when we got here last night. Parties with kids on the weekend will do it to you. Last night, this morning we called up Alexander. Hank is at the hotel and hopefully he will feel better tomorrow."

Pavelec is starting, "yes. You guys would have picked up on that this morning. He wasn't on the ice, figured we might get some questions...you guys didn't pick up on it (laugh)."

On this week being a measuring stick week, "we just saw Carolina, a divisional opponent, we have another tonight. The only thing that I feel is real important is just to focus on one game at a time. We are playing against the Stanley Cup Champions, they are the best in the league. We are going to need our best game from our goaltender out. It's a challenge in front of us. The first game we played against Pittsburgh was entertaining, all the games are hard fought against this team."

On the Penguins, "goalie has been very good and the team is playing real well, the top players on top of their game. What we have to do is defend well, structurally awe will have to be in position and make some plays with the puck and make the plays that are in front of us and that is what we are going to do."

What do you want to see from Pavelec, "a good game. We told him last night that he was probably going to go, told him to do what will get him ready. He didn't want any shots this morning, wanted to come into the game fresh. I know he hasn't played for a while but I can tell you that he has worked real hard. He's been doing a lot of extra with Ben before and after practice and waiting for an opportunity and he is getting one tonight and we expect him to play well."

Did Mika do anything today, "he's not coming on the trip. I haven't asked. He is following the protocol, that is all I can tell you."

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Tonight's game: Rangers vs. Penguins, 7:30 p.m.

Dec 5 | 5:34PM

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Dec 1, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Paul Carey #28 is congratulated after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

PITTSBURGH -- The Penguins and New York Rangers did not have quite as strong a start to the season as they wanted, but things have been looking up for the Metropolitan Division rivals headed into their game Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena.

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Henrik Lundqvist has the flu and will not play tonight

Dec 5 | 5:22PM

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Nov 22, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) comes off the ice before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Rangers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 6-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports (James Guillory)

6:03PM: Alain Vigneault said, "Hank wasn't feeling well when we got here last night. Parties with kids on the weekend will do it to you. Last night, this morning we called up Alexander. Hank is at the hotel and hopefully he will feel better tomorrow." (NYR)

5:22PM: Henrik Lundqvist will not start tonight for the Rangers against the Penguins due to the flu. (NYR)

Ondrej Pavelec will start and the Rangers have called up Alexander Georgiev from Hartford to back him up. (NYR)

From the Rangers release, "Georgiev, 21, has appeared in 17 games with the Wolf Pack this season, posting a 4-7-4 record, along with a 3.29 GAA and a .897 SV%. He has made at least 30 saves in seven of his 17 appearances in 2017-18, including four of his last six appearances. Georgiev made his AHL debut on Oct. 6 vs. Charlotte, and he earned his first career AHL win on Oct. 28 at Lehigh Valley. He made a single-game season-high 43 saves and earned a win in the Wolf Pack's 2-1 victory over Bridgeport on Nov. 11."